The Wang 100-Series calculators, introduced in July, 1970, were
developed as a lower-cost alternative to the earlier, larger and more
expensive 700-series calculators. Operationally, the
machines were a departure from the 700-series, harkening back to
the original dual-accumulator design of the 300-series machines,
though architecturally they were quite different than the 700-series
machines, using a bit-serial rather than parallel design, saving
on component count. Along with this change, size and cost reductions
in the 100-series were made possible by Wang's first-time use of early
integrated circuit RAM (Random Access Memory) rather than the magnetic
core memory of earlier Wang calculators, and the use of a discrete
diode-based microcode ROM. These changes reduced the cost and size
of the machines, but it was too little, too late for Wang, as HP's
9100A/B machines were stealing a great deal of Wang's thunder in the
marketplace. Sales of the 100-series calculators were disappointing,
clearly indicating that Wang had some serious work to do if it were
to retain it's leadership position in the rapidly expanding
calculator market.

A whole range of machines made up
the 100-series offerings, with a total of 12 different models, spread across
three different areas of mathemetics disciplines; Business, Statistics, and
Scientific. The business-oriented calculators provide basic math functions
(add, subtract, multiply, divide), while the statistical calculators provide
one-key square root, reciprocal, integer, and squaring functions. The
scientific machines add absolute value, exponential and logarithm (base
e) and instant Pi recall. Optional modules provide for extended
statistics functions (constant multiplication and division, along with
various summation functions), and trigonometry (Sin, Cos, ArcSin and ArcTan,
DegreesRadians and power function) can be added to the machines
to provide additional capabilities.

Half of the models come
with a printer, and the other half provide a Nixie tube display for
presenting information to the user. The various models come with either
six or 14 memory registers, which offer full four function direct arithmetic
capabilities. Machines with six memory registers can be field upgraded to
14 registers via replacement of RAM memory devices. Field upgrades also
allowed addition of higher-level math functions to lower-capability
machines.

Like the 200 and 300-series calculators,
the machines are programmable via punched cards. The optional Model 184 Master
Card Reader provides 60 steps of programming. For an additional 60 steps
of program capability, the Model 185 Slave card reader can be added. For
the Nixie-display machines which lack a built-in printer, the optional
Model 180 external printer can be connected to provide hardcopy output
for calculations performed.

See the museum's exhibit on the
Wang 144 for more information on these machines.